Rosebank 31 Year Old Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky has officially been named the world’s best whisky, winning ‘Best in Show – Whisk(e)y’ at the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This accolade marks a historic moment for Rosebank, long celebrated as the “King of the Lowlands”, and underscores the distillery’s remarkable revival.
A Rare Whisky From a Silent Era
The award-winning Rosebank 31 Year Old (48.1% ABV) was distilled before the distillery’s closure in 1993 and matured in refill casks for over 30 years. These exceptional casks preserve Rosebank’s unmistakable Lowland character, offering bright citrus, soft vanilla, rose petals, and candied almond, all naturally coloured and elegantly balanced.
This expression is part of the Rosebank Legacy Trilogy, alongside the 30 Year Old and 32 Year Old whiskies, representing the final releases from pre-1993 casks.
Neil Bulloch, Rosebank Distillery Manager:
“This award is a tremendous moment for everyone connected to Rosebank. The 31 Year Old represents the very best of the spirit laid down before the distillery fell silent.”
Leonard Russell, Chairman of Ian Macleod Distillers:
“Restoring Rosebank was a commitment to one of Scotland’s most admired whisky styles. To see a whisky from its silent era named the world’s best is deeply meaningful.”
Outstanding Performance at San Francisco
Rosebank 31 Year Old achieved top honours across multiple Scotch whisky categories before claiming Best in Show Whisk(e)y 2025, including:
- Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years and Over
- Best Single Malt Scotch
- Best Overall Scotch
Judges described the winners as “the pinnacle of quality and artistry,” cementing Rosebank’s legacy as a benchmark for Lowland Scotch whisky.
Availability for Collectors and Enthusiasts
A limited number of Rosebank 31 Year Old bottles remain, each presented in a luxury case. The whisky is available at the Rosebank Distillery Shop in Falkirk, online at rosebank.com, and through top retailers including Berry Brothers & Rudd, Hedonism, The Whisky Exchange, and Whisky World.
UK venues stocking the 31YO include The Berkley Hotel, The Coburg Bar at The Connaught, Melody Bar, Dakota Glasgow, Cameron House, Pot Still, Bon Accord, Caledonian Hotel Edinburgh, Gleneagles, and Fife Arms. In the USA, it is available at Total Wine & More stores and specialist retailers worldwide.
These bottles are among the final releases from Rosebank’s silent era, making them highly coveted by collectors.
Limited-Edition Festive Gift Box
For the festive season, Rosebank has released a limited-edition Gift Box, featuring a rare pairing of old and new:
- 20cl Rosebank 32 Year Old, from remaining pre-closure casks
- 20cl Rosebank New Make Spirit, from the revived distillery
This exclusive set is available from the distillery shop and rosebank.com, with an RRP of £450, offering a unique opportunity to experience the past and future of Rosebank.
Visiting Rosebank Distillery
Rosebank Distillery, located in Falkirk, hosts the world’s largest collection of aged Rosebank whiskies. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings year-round, with experiences suitable for all whisky enthusiasts. Book your visit online at rosebank.com/visit.
Tasting Notes – Rosebank 31 Year Old
- Appearance: Pale gold, natural colour
- Nose: Citrus bursts, soft vanilla, candied almonds
- Palate: Camomile, berry, baked banana
- Finish: Sweet peach, oak, subtle herbal notes
The 31YO showcases the elegant, floral Lowland style Rosebank is renowned for.
A Distillery Reawakened
Founded in 1840, Rosebank closed in 1993 and remained silent for over 25 years. Its award-winning restoration, completed in 2023, is considered one of the most significant revivals in modern Scottish whisky history. Today, Rosebank holds VisitScotland Five-Star Attraction status and has won Architects’ Journal Editor’s Choice awards, while production continues with new releases anticipated in the coming years.
The Rosebank Style
Rosebank Lowland Single Malt is distinguished by:
- Triple distillation, delivering refined floral and fruity notes
- Worm tub condensers, adding depth and weight
- Unpeated purity, offering delicate finesse
These features combine to create one of Scotland’s most distinctive whisky styles.
The Legacy Trilogy
The Rosebank Legacy 30, 31, and 32 Year Old expressions are the final releases from the distillery’s silent era, offering collectors a last chance to acquire pre-1993 Rosebank whiskies.
Recent Awards
Rosebank’s revival has already been recognized globally:
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025: Best in Show Whisk(e)y (31YO), Double Gold Medals (31YO & 32YO), 99 points
- International Spirits Challenge: Gold Medals for all Legacy expressions
